Marc Pingris and the Star Hotshots battle a June Mar Fajardo-less San Miguel Beermen when the PBA Commissioner's Cup resumes on Easter Sunday. Dante Peralta

HOW far Star has gone in its progress is set to be known as it squares off against sister squad San Miguel Beer in the resumption of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Easter Sunday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

After starting the conference losing four of their first five games, the Hotshots have suddenly become the league’s hottest team following a string of three straight victories – the latest a 27-point rout of GlobalPort last week.

But the Hotshots face an acid test in the 5:15 p.m. encounter against the Beermen, who have won three of the last four conference championships.

The Hotshots are looking to pounce on an SMB side that is expected to miss injured big men June Mar Fajardo and a grieving Arwind Santos.

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“Habang wala si June Mar, (kailangan i-take advantage),” Pingris said with a smile, referrring to his buddy, who hurt his knee two weeks ago when he stepped on SMB import Tyler Wilkerson’s foot in their game against Rain or Shine.

Wilkerson shoulders most of the offensive load and Pingris has volunteered to defend the prolific reinforcement.